Category Archives: homeless animals

Today I was back at the South LA Shelter for a meeting with some of the staff there. Four of my Lu Parker Project volunteers and I met with a staff member to discuss how we can continue to help the shelter through a project we do called Project Picture. This was the first time we have had an official meeting since the SLA shelter moved to its new location, and I have to say it felt great to be at the new facility!

As we all know, change is sometimes difficult, and I have to admit at first I sort of missed the old South LA shelter, a place where my passion to help animals was flamed some four years ago. I spent countless hours in the old space either alone in the early years, or then together with my LPP volunteers as time passed. It was my little getaway. It was my second home for a long time. I still miss it and all its cracks and dust.

This past year I hit a big bump along the way and had to step back from LPP for a hot second. I want to thank my amazing volunteers for continuing to move forward and steer the ship while I was emotionally away. Seriously, you saved LPP. 😉

Today while sitting in our little meeting, a wave of “this feels good” came over me. It’s that feeling I had 3 years ago when something told me “Lu, you should start a non-profit.” During those moments you just know you are doing what you were born to do.

As small as our actions may seem at times to ourselves and others, I could not help but burst with pride today when I looked over during the meeting, and caught the eye of one of my faithful volunteers. The joy in her eyes as she smiled back at me made me not just think, but know that I am where I am suppose to be now again, and I have an amazing team joining me for the journey.

Lu Parker Project started Project Picture at South LA Animal Shelter in October of 2011.
See new pictures here: PROJECT PICTURE

In the last two weeks, we have been able to help nearly a dozen dogs and cats avoid being euthanized. Instead, these dogs and cats now have forever homes. THE LUCKY ONES

Volunteers helped renovate the photo area at the shelter, and now we are utilizing local professional photographers who are giving of their free time to help us create these amazing photos. We are sharing the photos via the above blog, on facebook, on twitter, via email, and on several sites including LA ANIMAL SERVICES & ADOPT A PET

Zac & Mike build the set

Painting Away...

Saro sets up for our first picture!!!

If you would like to get involved with Lu Parker Project please contact us at here

We are always in need of Corporate Sponsorship and donations. You can donate directly at Thank you!

When people find out I started Lu Parker Project to help homeless animals and at-risk youth, they often ask “How can I help?” I usually answer by saying simply “Just get involved.” We need volunteers, fundraisers, artists, teachers, animal lovers, party planners, activists, and the list goes on and on…

Today I write asking you to strut your stuff with us at Strut Your Mutt The event will be held Saturday, September 24th at 10a. It is a simple one mile walk that will help us raise the much needed funds we need to keep doing our important work, but it is also a chance for adults, kids and dogs to send a message. We are in this together. The goal: No More Homeless Pets

Joining our DOG PACK and walking with us is simple. Here’s how you do it. If you are ready to commit: Log onto www.strutyourmutt.org
Once there, type Lu Parker Project in the search box at the top right of the page.
Once on our page, click JOIN THIS DOG PACK. Sign up. You can then create your own unique webpage to raise funds with us. 100% of the proceeds go to www.luparkerproject.org

If you prefer to simply donate to our cause, that’s easy too.
Log onto www.strutyourmutt.org
Once there, type Lu Parker in the search box at the top right of the page.
Once on Lu’s page, click SUPPORT ME and give what you can.

Your donation is 100% tax deductible!.

Patrick and Ana here as very very sick babies.

Ana & Patrick are parvo free and have a new forever home together!

Our latest rescue involves two 4 month old puppies that we pulled from South LA Animal shelter. The two puppies came in with parvo because their owners didn’t know to vaccinate them. Parvo is deadly and highly contagious. LPP paid for Patrick and Ana to receive medical attention, and with the help of Brent Air Animal Hospital we were able to save these two beautiful dogs that would have otherwise been euthanized on the spot.

In our effort to reach the youth of Los Angeles, Monkey and I, along with Gabe and David of Animal Wellness Centers visited Bresee Youth Center this month. The teens got a chance to discuss animal welfare issues, and we brainstormed on how they could help reach out to their own community. This is just the beginning of a strong relationship. We dream of reaching more at-risk teens to help educate them about being kind to all animals. That is why your donations are so important.

We brainstormed on how to help the community.

We believe rescuing is important, but we also believe education is key to ending overpopulation.We hope you can help us spread the word….

If you walk with us, feel free to bring your dog or plan to walk a homeless dog! Hope to see you soon!!!!

There are few things that shock me, but this information stopped me in my tracks: Each year 70 thousands dogs are tested on in facilities located here in the United States. I am told the preferred breed of dog is the Beagle.

According to Peta and Beagle Freedom Project, the dogs are tested on because of their kind, docile nature. The tests include experimental surgical procedures, toxicology tests, and over the counter drugs. I am also told that most of the dogs are actually bred to be a “lab rat.” They live in a cage their entire lives never seeing the sunshine or stepping on grass, (much like Puppy Mill dogs).

It is legal to test on dogs in the United States, just as it is legal to test on cats, rabbits, primates and rats, but animal activists that I have interviewed and discussed this issue with are fighting back. Their reports claim some of the facilities beat and kick the dogs, and leave them living in deplorable living conditions. In fact, just last week, a North Carolina grand jury indicted four facility workers on 14 felony cruelty to animal charges. It is the first time in U.S. history that workers have faced felony cruelty charges for their treatment of animals in a lab.

There is not much we can do about it. Believe me, I have tried to figure out how this madness could be prevented, but there are choices we can make as consumers. We can make these choices daily, and encourage our friends and family to do the same.

Please learn more and educate others about these practices. Together we can make a difference.

It’s a story of love and commitment. Not human to human, rather human to horse. I saw the process up close recently, and cannot seem to shake the thought of what I witnessed.

The horses I met through the non-profit called Red Bucket Equine Rescue, based in Huntington Beach, California all have a story. The majority of those stories are not ones you want to hear. They include abuse, neglect, starvation, even death.

But Susan Peirce, the woman behind Red Bucket tells me she is ready to fix the problem. In the last two years, the group which is 100-percent volunteer has saved 80 horses from slaughter, and has found 32 of them forever homes. Part of their mission is to restore trust in humankind and to find the horses safe, loving homes. They use positive reinforcement, compassion and consistency to bring these horses back to life.

But of course, every group needs our help. Red Bucket Rescue has been told they have to move from their current location. That means they have dozens of horses that need to be moved to a new location nearby that has land, but no shelter. It costs approximately 400 thousand dollars a year to keep the rescue running. The costs add up due to medical bills, shelter, food, and training. Red Bucket needs your help.

I typically write a blog in the early morning hours over a big cup of coffee, but today it’s the opposite. I couldn’t wait to share my day with you.

It started early with a 5am wakeup call to get ready to head to KTLA studios to do a story on a three legged dog named MONTY. This 2 year old is looking for a new home after being shot and left in the desert to die. Please spread his message of courage.

Later in the morning, I headed over to the La Brea Tar Pits for the Best Friends Pet Super Adoption. Monty and his foster met me there and we introduced Monty on stage. I also met a lot of cool people, and ran into lots of my favorite rescue groups and LA City Shelter friends. By the way, Monty wasn’t the only dog at the event with only 3 legs. I saw at least three others.

Once I left the Tar Pits, I headed to the valley to check out World Fest. I had been asked to speak there weeks ago, and thought it sounded like an event I would enjoy. It was. Everything from vege food, to eco-friendly products, rescue groups, live music and dancing. It sort of reminded me of my college days: long skirts, sandles, music, good food, and no worries. World Fest was oozing good vibes.

While I walked around with my dog Monkey, we saw some interesting things including a food booth selling BBQ, but not the kind you are thinking…Ha! As a Southern girl and vegetarian for the last 25 years, I thought, “Now that is interesting!!!” I didn’t stay long enough to taste it. Maybe next time.

Couldn't help but take a picture!

Joey

Then as I am leaving, who do I see but this little guy!!! Are you kidding me? He looks like my dog but a quarter the size. I had to stop. Joey, I am told was run over and didn’t get the proper care to help his hind legs. They are nearly paralyzed completely. In the dog pen, he sort of drags them behind him. I wanted to see him in his wheelchair. Once I did, I fell in love even more. You would too! Joey is a little sweetheart. He’s curious, gentle, and moves pretty dang fast on two legs. I’m not sure what I plan to do with his picture, but I felt compelled to share his story. There are others like Joey at a place called Dharma Rescue. They specialize in helping senior pets and animals with special needs. They seem like angels. Wanna help me find Joey a forever home? If so contact me at www.luparkerproject.org or Email me.

When I created Lu Parker Project I didn’t really know what to expect. After yesterday, it became very clear to me that it was the right thing for me to do. I still sometimes get anxiety because I want to be able to do more and more with the organization, but I am starting to see how volunteers with LPP are taking charge and helping me.

For the last month or so, Beth Brown and Kim Rodgers have stepped up big time creating a Holiday Collection for homeless animals that will benefit Los Angeles Animal Shelters. Yesterday was the final day for people to donate. We gathered on Main Street at PEETS Coffee, and watched as person after person stopped to give us dog beds, cash, dog & cat food, dog bowls, blankets, towels, and leashes. It was a beautiful sight!!!!

We all understand that events like these don’t fix the homeless animal problem, but what they do is bring awareness to the problem. One day at a time, and one volunteer at a time, we can begin to make that change.

Yesterday, volunteers took carloads to the South Los Angeles Shelter, and they tell me they walked away with a FULL heart ready for the next project. What a beautiful thing!

Stay tuned for a Valentines Day special, coming soon. Plan to get roses for someone? You will want to hear what we will offer you!!!